R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium Pitch Report: Records, Matches, Capacity, Stats
Sri Lanka celebrates cricket as a festival of national pride. And that is why we have the magnificent stadium of R. Premadasa International Stadium. This is a place that has seen history, heartbreak and heroic deeds performed under its lights.
It is known for its energetic atmosphere, seating capacity and rich history. The stadium is not only an architectural landmark but also a symbol of Sri Lanka’s cricketing journey. Let’s take a closer look at the story behind this world-famous venue.
Birth of A Dream: From Swampland to Cricket Fort
The story of R. Premadasa Stadium is a story of determination. It was initially named Khetarama Stadium (named after the area of ​​Colombo where it is located). The then President of Sri Lanka, Ranasinghe Premadasa, gave it his name. He was one of the country’s most ardent cricket supporters.
Premadasa envisioned a world-class cricket ground that would inspire future generations of cricketers. His dream was realized when construction began on land used by monks who used to go to a nearby farm temple.
After years of planning and dedication, this magnificent venue opened on February 2, 1986. At that time, there was a limited-overs match between Sri Lanka ‘B’ and England ‘B’. The stadium immediately emerged as one of the largest stadiums in Asia, capable of accommodating 35,000 people. In short, it was a monumental achievement for Sri Lanka at the time.
Historical Landmarks And Major Matches
R. Premadasa Stadium quickly established itself as one of the most prestigious cricket grounds in Asia. The first official One-Day International (ODI) at the venue was held on April 5, 1986, when Sri Lanka played New Zealand.
Six years later, on 28 August 1992, the ground ushered in a new era by hosting the first Test match between Sri Lanka and Australia. Since then, the stadium has been the site of countless memorable cricketing moments.
Perhaps the most famous was during the 1997–98 India vs Sri Lanka Test series. At that time, Sri Lanka scored 952 for 6 to enter the record books. And thus, became the highest team score in Test cricket history, which is still intact today.
In that match, the great Sanath Jayasuriya scored 340 runs. While Roshan Mahanama contributed 225 runs. Together, the two put on a 576-run partnership for the second wicket, which was the highest partnership in Test history.
Modern Facilities And Amenities
Today, the R. Premadasa International Stadium is a world-class cricket venue. Some of its features include:
- Capacity: 35,000 seats, the largest cricket stadium in Sri Lanka.
- Floodlights: Installed for day-night matches. It has helped Sri Lanka host major international tournaments.
- End: Named after the Khettarama End and Maligawatte End, and is known for its lively crowd participation.
- Pitch: A well-maintained grass surface that generally favors batsmen but offers spin as the game progresses.
- Training Center: Located behind the stadium, there are 16 practice pitches and dormitories for the Sri Lanka Cricket Academy. It was inaugurated in 2003.
R. Premadasa International Stadium – Match History and Records Summary
| Format | First Match | Last Match | Teams (First Match) | Teams (Last Match) | Key Record Categories |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | Aug 28 – Sep 02, 1992 | Jul 14 – 18, 2017 | Australia vs Sri Lanka | Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka | Results, High Totals, Most Runs, Best Bowling, Most Wickets, Partnerships, Statsguru |
| ODIs | Apr 05, 1986 | Jul 05, 2025 | Sri Lanka vs New Zealand | Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka | Results, High Totals, Most Runs, Best Bowling, Most Wickets, Partnerships, Statsguru |
| T20Is | Feb 10, 2009 | Jul 16, 2025 | Sri Lanka vs India | Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh | Results, High Totals, Most Runs, Best Bowling, Most Wickets, Partnerships, Statsguru |
| WODIs | Mar 29, 1999 | Oct 05, 2025 | Sri Lanka Women vs Netherlands Women | India Women vs Pakistan Women | Results, High Totals, Most Runs, Best Bowling, Most Wickets, Partnerships, Statsguru |
| WT20Is | Oct 04, 2012 | May 26, 2015 | New Zealand Women vs England Women | Sri Lanka Women vs West Indies Women | Results, High Totals, Most Runs, Best Bowling, Most Wickets, Partnerships, Statsguru |
| YTests | Jan 04 – 07, 1994 | Only Match | England U19 vs Sri Lanka U19 | — | Results, High Totals, Most Runs, Best Bowling, Most Wickets, Partnerships, Statsguru |
| YODIs | Feb 01, 1987 | Sep 14, 2019 | England YC vs Sri Lanka YC | India U19 vs Bangladesh U19 | Results, High Totals, Most Runs, Best Bowling, Most Wickets, Partnerships, Statsguru |
Host of Major International Events
Over the decades, R. Premadasa Stadium has hosted some of the most successful cricketing events and they are:
- 1996 ICC Cricket World Cup: Many of the key matches of the tournament were held here. Sri Lanka’s brilliant performance also led them to win their first title.
- 2002 ICC Champions Trophy: The stadium witnessed thrilling encounters. This enhanced its reputation for hosting high-stakes games.
- 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup: As one of the main venues of the tournament, it hosted key matches such as the semi-finals with world-class teams.
- Asia Cup and T20 Internationals: This ground has seen hit matches with many cricketing legends.
Related Post: Sawai Mansingh Stadium Pitch Report: Records, Matches, Capacity, Stats
Passion For Sri Lankan Cricket
Apart from statistics and records, R. Premadasa Stadium represents the soul of Sri Lankan cricket. This is the place where legends like Aravinda de Silva, Mahela Jayawardene and Lasith Malinga have showcased their talents.
Every sound of the crowd reflects the passion of millions of fans. Even for international players, playing at R. Premadasa is considered a privilege. The subcontinental conditions create an environment that tests both skill and temperament.
Renovations And Improvements
In preparation for a major tournament like the 2011 ICC World Cup, the stadium has undergone several renovations. These include:
- Increased seating capacity
- Modern dressing rooms
- Improved player facilities
- Advanced drainage system to minimize rain delays
- Advanced media centres and broadcast infrastructure
These improvements transformed it into a stadium capable of hosting global events.
Conclusion
R. The Premadasa International Stadium has become a place where history has been written and rewritten. From the world-record 952-run innings to unforgettable World Cup nights, it has been the beating heart of Sri Lankan cricket.
Every match here is a reminder of the island nation’s passion, resilience and love for the game. Whether you are a cricket fan or a tourist in Colombo, visiting this stadium is like stepping into a living monument to sporting excellence.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why Was The R. Premadasa Stadium Originally Called The Khettarama Stadium?
The stadium was initially known as the Khettarama Stadium, named after the local area in Colombo where it is located.
Q2. What Makes The R. Premadasa Stadium Unique Among Asian Cricket Grounds?
Several factors set it apart, as it is the largest stadium in Sri Lanka, with a capacity of 35,000, and is known for its record-breaking Test total of 952/6.
Q3. What Famous Matches Have Been Played At The R. Premadasa Stadium?
Some of the memorable matches include: Sri Lanka vs India (1997–98 Test), 2011 ICC World Cup semi-final and Asia Cup encounter.
Q4. Has The Stadium Been Renovated Or Upgraded?
Yes. A major renovation was carried out ahead of the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. Changes include corporate boxes with expanded seating, an updated media centre, etc.
Q5. Can Visitors Visit The R. Premadasa Stadium?
While the stadium primarily functions as an international sporting venue, guided tours are organised by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
